You do a little news interview and, when it's over, you then do a 'two-shot'. The interviewee mouths a few silent nothings. The interviewer nods in mock interest (and total boredom). The camera rolls for a couple of minutes in case slivers of this weary mime are visually needed to leaven the chat.

Fakery? Channel Five News has announced it is ditching the device, with Sky only a second behind. It's either a stirring victory for truth and honesty - or (nod-nod-wink-wink) a splendidly cynical chance to get rid of a television reporter's most demeaning, least favourite chores.